Imaging and radiology

Definition

Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat disease.

Radiology may be divided into two different areas, diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology. The field of therapeutic radiology, which uses x-rays to treat cancer, is now called radiation oncology.

Doctors who specialize in radiology are called radiologists.

Alternative Names

Interventional radiology; Diagnostic radiology; X-ray imaging

Information

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

Diagnostic radiology helps health care professionals see structures inside your body. Using these images, the radiologist or other physicians can often:

Diagnose the cause of your symptoms

Monitor how well your body is responding to a treatment you are receiving for your disease or condition

Screen for different illnesses, such as breast cancer or heart disease

Review Date:
2/3/2010
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.